When a family breaks up, it is the children who are the ultimate victims. (read here )
I have been divorced twice but never went through a custody hearing. Although my first two marriages did not work out, I was able to amicably work out a schedule for my children that was fair to them. I am blessed and I know this. It is not my children's fault that their dad(s) and I failed at marriage and to this day, we work at putting their needs first.
I cannot say that it is always easy.
Yesterday I re-read the court documents from the divorce trial of Alaina Giordano. People do not know the back-story behind this divorce and if you just read the 27 page document you will think that Alaina is a horrible person.
read the order here
Alaina is not perfect. She admitted to me that she had made many mistakes which she regrets but honestly, who can judge how they would react in her situation?
Imagine knowing there is something going on in your body but being misdiagnosed. By the time you get a diagnosis it is for stage 4 cancer.
Meanwhile, you are in a marriage that is quickly disintegrating and you are trying to be a good mom to two children in the midst of this.
You also relocate as a family to a state where you know no one. You develop friendships and support systems, your children are thriving and you finally figure out how to treat your cancer and then you are blindsided by divorce.
A judge heartlessly discriminates against you for having the misfortune of getting breast cancer and says since you do not even have a job and you cannot tell the court how long you have to live, your ex husband can relocate the children to the Chicago area. Alaina is free to start over in the Chicago area but how do you do that when you are battling to win a war against cancer?
Breast Cancer Mom Loses Custody
To support Alaina and help her in this battle, go to the fan page made for her.
Alaina Giordano Should Not Lose Her Children Because She Has Breast Cancer
It's my life and it's now or never. I just want to live while I'm alive and while I'm living I'm sharing it here - totally raw and all Jersey!
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Helping Alaina Giordano
Alaina Giordano is still fighting to get her children back. read the back story here
The costs of legal fees and medical treatments for her stage 4 breast cancer are overwhelming but thanks to the generosity of the public, there has been many offers to help.
ways to help Alaina and her children
Now, thanks to Peter Kaufmann, the man who started the Facebook support page, there is another way to help Alaina Giordano.
For just .99 you can download this original song "I Believe" which was written for Alaina. All proceeds will go to Alaina and her children.
click here to purchase this song
Friends of Alaina have not forgotten her and her children. We are all in this til the end and we believe that justice will prevail in this case.
A mother should not lose custody of her children just because she has breast cancer.
No matter what rumors you hear, or trash that may be written- THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THAT A JUDGE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST ALAINA BECAUSE SHE HAS BREAST CANCER.
This is wrong! We must get involved or else courts are going to make more rulings that do not take the best interest of children to heart. I have never met Alaina although I have spent hours talking to her on the phone and exchanged emails. I believe Alaina is a great, loving mom and should not be punished just because she had the misfortune of developing breast cancer. She is not on her deathbed and has cared for these children pretty much on her own without their "father".
We believe if we all pull together we can undo a bad decision. Look what social media has done already. Alaina's case has gotten international attention. There is power when we use our collective voice.
The costs of legal fees and medical treatments for her stage 4 breast cancer are overwhelming but thanks to the generosity of the public, there has been many offers to help.
ways to help Alaina and her children
Now, thanks to Peter Kaufmann, the man who started the Facebook support page, there is another way to help Alaina Giordano.
For just .99 you can download this original song "I Believe" which was written for Alaina. All proceeds will go to Alaina and her children.
click here to purchase this song
Friends of Alaina have not forgotten her and her children. We are all in this til the end and we believe that justice will prevail in this case.
A mother should not lose custody of her children just because she has breast cancer.
No matter what rumors you hear, or trash that may be written- THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THAT A JUDGE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST ALAINA BECAUSE SHE HAS BREAST CANCER.
This is wrong! We must get involved or else courts are going to make more rulings that do not take the best interest of children to heart. I have never met Alaina although I have spent hours talking to her on the phone and exchanged emails. I believe Alaina is a great, loving mom and should not be punished just because she had the misfortune of developing breast cancer. She is not on her deathbed and has cared for these children pretty much on her own without their "father".
We believe if we all pull together we can undo a bad decision. Look what social media has done already. Alaina's case has gotten international attention. There is power when we use our collective voice.
The Power of Social Media
Never underestimate the power of social media.
Alaina Giordano knows the power. see her Facebook causes page here
When Alaina got blindsided in court by a judge who discriminated against her in a custody case because Alaina has stage 4 breast cancer, Alaina's friend took to Facebook to help gather support for his friend.
Many jumped on the bandwagon, this writer included, because the cause touched us. Taking children away from their mother just because she has breast cancer is wrong.
Alaina's story reached all over the globe. It doesn't surprise me. The injustice of this case deserves the attention.
I am sure that her ex-husband never expected her to take this case to social media. Even with all the attention she has gathered, he is not backing down. Just further proof of his character and lack of compassion.
The Judge in this case is probably cursing it as well. There is no better way to spread the word and gather support than using social networking.
We all need to use our voices to help someone when they are being wronged. Using social media and networks to gather that support is our right as citizens in a country that allows us free speech.
Because of social networking, Alaina Giordano is able to fight this injustice. Without it, the case may have disappeared and gone unnoticed.
I applaud the thousands of people who read Alaina's story, heard it on the news or knew of it firsthand and got involved. It makes me feel good to be alive to see people go out of their way to help someone and it gives me hope.
Never underestimate the power of your voice. Alaina's story is proof.
Alaina Giordano knows the power. see her Facebook causes page here
When Alaina got blindsided in court by a judge who discriminated against her in a custody case because Alaina has stage 4 breast cancer, Alaina's friend took to Facebook to help gather support for his friend.
Many jumped on the bandwagon, this writer included, because the cause touched us. Taking children away from their mother just because she has breast cancer is wrong.
Alaina's story reached all over the globe. It doesn't surprise me. The injustice of this case deserves the attention.
I am sure that her ex-husband never expected her to take this case to social media. Even with all the attention she has gathered, he is not backing down. Just further proof of his character and lack of compassion.
The Judge in this case is probably cursing it as well. There is no better way to spread the word and gather support than using social networking.
We all need to use our voices to help someone when they are being wronged. Using social media and networks to gather that support is our right as citizens in a country that allows us free speech.
Because of social networking, Alaina Giordano is able to fight this injustice. Without it, the case may have disappeared and gone unnoticed.
I applaud the thousands of people who read Alaina's story, heard it on the news or knew of it firsthand and got involved. It makes me feel good to be alive to see people go out of their way to help someone and it gives me hope.
Never underestimate the power of your voice. Alaina's story is proof.
Alaina is Granted a Stay!!!
Miracles happen and maybe it is a result of the overwhelming amount of attention thanks to social media but Alaina was granted a stay while awaiting appeal.
read about it here
I received this news yesterday and felt a sigh of relief, pure joy and just confirmation that what I felt from day one would be true. Alaina will get justice for herself and her children. I believe it!
I just want to say thanks on behalf of Alaina and her children to my Facebook friends who have done their part in spreading this story, donating to the fund to help with legal and medical fees and who have said prayers, sent positive energy and just bothered to read about this injustice.
Thank you all. (don't stop helping Alaina to fight for what is right- it isn't over yet)
read about it here
I received this news yesterday and felt a sigh of relief, pure joy and just confirmation that what I felt from day one would be true. Alaina will get justice for herself and her children. I believe it!
I just want to say thanks on behalf of Alaina and her children to my Facebook friends who have done their part in spreading this story, donating to the fund to help with legal and medical fees and who have said prayers, sent positive energy and just bothered to read about this injustice.
Thank you all. (don't stop helping Alaina to fight for what is right- it isn't over yet)
The Battle is Not Over (but Karma is a BITCH ) just sayin'
I feel a sense of sadness as the 17th of June approaches. June 17th is the day that Alaina Giordano has to relinquish custody of her 6 year old son and 11 year old daughter to her ex-husband.
Kane Synder will be taking the children out of Durham, North Carolina to live with him in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
I can only imagine Alaina’s heartbreak.
The fight is not yet over.
Although Alaina requested a stay which would have kept the children with her while her appeal is pending, Judge Nancy Gordon denied her request. This did not come as a surprise but even so, it is difficult to swallow.
So many people have been helping Alaina with her fight to keep her children after Judge Nancy Gordon used her cancer diagnosis as a factor in determining custody of the children.
Many stories have been written about Alaina and Kane since the Facebook support page was first started.
As I have stated many times in my blog and articles I have written for Associated Content/Yahoo, this is so much more than an ugly divorce and custody battle.
The custody of these two minor children was based upon the fact that Alaina Giordano has Stage4 breast cancer. Read the ruling people.
I don’t care if Alaina had an affair while she was married. Alaina never lied to me and to me, I didn’t care about her imperfections as a wife. This case is not about cheating. Kane cheated also. Probably more than Alaina did but guess what, it doesn’t matter.
Judge Nancy Gordon did not give primary custody to Kane Synder because Alaina Giordano had an affair.
Judge Nancy Gordon gave primary custody to Kane Synder because he doesn’t have breast cancer.
Alaina Giordano was discriminated against because she doesn’t know when she may get too ill to care for her children even though today she is well and the only active parent in these children’s lives.
I am a mom also. I have been through divorce and although I fortunately never faced a battle over custody of my children, I know that losing custody of them would have killed me. My ex-husband was also a real man unlike Kane Synder. Although our marriage didn't work, my ex-husband respected me as the mother of his children. Alaina's ex doesn't.
I don’t have breast cancer and I wasn’t sick when I went through a divorce. No one can control whether or not they get a horrible disease and when it is used against you in a court of law, well, that is just unbelievable and wrong.
This is why when I first spoke to Alaina I believed so strongly that this wrong would be overturned. Now as the day comes closer than Kane is legally able to take these children from their mother, I feel sad for her and her children.
I still believe that justice will prevail. Children need to have a relationship with their mother. Alaina has been the primary caregiver of these children not Kane Synder.
Alaina we are still behind you, fighting for what is right. I wish you strength as the next few days are going to be so difficult to bear. I know that you will have good friends with you in Durham standing by your side while you continue this fight.
Stay strong Alaina.
Happy Endings?
Several weeks ago when I first met Alaina Giordano and discussed her plight, I told her that once this story went national, people would be outraged. How could they not be?
Alaina, who has stage 4 breast cancer, lost primary custody of her children because of her cancer diagnosis.
I spent hours interviewing Alaina, first through emails and then by phone. I felt for her and although I knew that she had made mistakes during their marriage (she had an affair) I felt (and I still do) that her children belong with her in North Carolina.
Anyone who makes themselves familiar with this case can see that Kane Synder is just trying to exert control over Alaina the same way he did when they were married. If he truly cared about these children, there would be no story.
Why this case is more than an ugly divorce story is simple. Judge Nancy Gordon made it that way.
She (the judge) ruled that she was uncomfortable with the idea that Alaina cannot pinpoint when she may become too ill to care for her children. Alaina cannot give a date when she will die.
Nevermind the idea that in North Carolina, the children have a stable life. They are in good schools, they are part of the community and their mother is the one who made this life possible for them. She is the one who has been there for them, involved in their schooling, extra-curricular activities and also has built up a support system to help care for the children in case the time comes where she is unable to because of her cancer.
Alaina is currently not suffering. Her cancer is contained. Her treatments are working and no one knows what the future brings. You cannot look at cancer and make any judgment as far as how someone will do. Cancer is unpredictable. Life is unpredicatable.
Divorce is ugly and when children are involved sometimes a spouse will use them as weapons. This is unfair and sick. When the court system helps a vindictive parent by using a parent's illness as a reason to separate a mother and her children then total strangers need to get involved!
This is why I continue to write about Alaina and her children. I don't care if people get sick and tired of me writing about this cause. Unless we use our freedom to speak our minds in order to protest what we see as an injustice, we will lose whatever rights we have. When something is wrong we need to stand up and say so.
Alaina, who has stage 4 breast cancer, lost primary custody of her children because of her cancer diagnosis.
I spent hours interviewing Alaina, first through emails and then by phone. I felt for her and although I knew that she had made mistakes during their marriage (she had an affair) I felt (and I still do) that her children belong with her in North Carolina.
Anyone who makes themselves familiar with this case can see that Kane Synder is just trying to exert control over Alaina the same way he did when they were married. If he truly cared about these children, there would be no story.
Why this case is more than an ugly divorce story is simple. Judge Nancy Gordon made it that way.
She (the judge) ruled that she was uncomfortable with the idea that Alaina cannot pinpoint when she may become too ill to care for her children. Alaina cannot give a date when she will die.
Nevermind the idea that in North Carolina, the children have a stable life. They are in good schools, they are part of the community and their mother is the one who made this life possible for them. She is the one who has been there for them, involved in their schooling, extra-curricular activities and also has built up a support system to help care for the children in case the time comes where she is unable to because of her cancer.
Alaina is currently not suffering. Her cancer is contained. Her treatments are working and no one knows what the future brings. You cannot look at cancer and make any judgment as far as how someone will do. Cancer is unpredictable. Life is unpredicatable.
Divorce is ugly and when children are involved sometimes a spouse will use them as weapons. This is unfair and sick. When the court system helps a vindictive parent by using a parent's illness as a reason to separate a mother and her children then total strangers need to get involved!
This is why I continue to write about Alaina and her children. I don't care if people get sick and tired of me writing about this cause. Unless we use our freedom to speak our minds in order to protest what we see as an injustice, we will lose whatever rights we have. When something is wrong we need to stand up and say so.
Should Alaina Win Her Appeal?
I have written before about Alaina Giordano and her fight to get a judge's decision reversed that gave custody to her children to her ex Kane Snyder.
I have tried to "get the word out" about this case not because I enjoy getting in the middle of a battle between a couple but because of why Alaina lost custody.
I am not a fool. I know that when a marriage goes bad it can get ugly. Alaina is not perfect nor is Kane. This is not a fair fight because Kane and Judge Nancy Gordon have used two factors against Alaina which should not be a part of any custody/divorce case.
Factor #1
Alaina is a stay at home mom without an income. There are many women in this country who give up a career to stay home when they have children. Anyone who knows Alaina personally knows that she is a college-educated woman who did work earlier in her marriage to Kane and actually supported them while he pursued his education.
Factor #2
Alaina has stage 4 breast cancer which is contained but she cannot give an exact answer to the question "what is your prognosis?". The fact that a judge is allowed to use anyone's cancer diagnosis as a factor in a custody case is wrong. This is why I got involved in Alaina's fight. This is why I urged others to get involved. If we do not put an end to judges using a parent's illness as a reason to give custody to the non-ill parent, where will this kind of discrimination end?
I have read many of the comments that people have posted in regards to articles written about Alaina's fight. There has been tons of criticism about Alaina exploiting her children by taking her plea to social networks and the media. What parent wouldn't fight for their children using any means possible?
There are other criticisms that say people rush to judgment about this case without knowing the whole story. Yes, if you read the 27 page order, there are accusations made about Alaina and about Kane. This is not about adultery accusations - this is about an unemployed woman with breast cancer who is being discriminated against BECAUSE SHE HAS BREAST CANCER.
If Alaina did not have cancer, I would not be writing this blog post. She would be like many other women who go through a divorce/custody case and do not get what they want. This isn't about what Alaina did or did not do. This is about discriminating against a parent who has cancer.
Here is how you can help Alaina Giordano and her children stay together.
Should Alaina win her appeal?
I have tried to "get the word out" about this case not because I enjoy getting in the middle of a battle between a couple but because of why Alaina lost custody.
I am not a fool. I know that when a marriage goes bad it can get ugly. Alaina is not perfect nor is Kane. This is not a fair fight because Kane and Judge Nancy Gordon have used two factors against Alaina which should not be a part of any custody/divorce case.
Factor #1
Alaina is a stay at home mom without an income. There are many women in this country who give up a career to stay home when they have children. Anyone who knows Alaina personally knows that she is a college-educated woman who did work earlier in her marriage to Kane and actually supported them while he pursued his education.
Factor #2
Alaina has stage 4 breast cancer which is contained but she cannot give an exact answer to the question "what is your prognosis?". The fact that a judge is allowed to use anyone's cancer diagnosis as a factor in a custody case is wrong. This is why I got involved in Alaina's fight. This is why I urged others to get involved. If we do not put an end to judges using a parent's illness as a reason to give custody to the non-ill parent, where will this kind of discrimination end?
I have read many of the comments that people have posted in regards to articles written about Alaina's fight. There has been tons of criticism about Alaina exploiting her children by taking her plea to social networks and the media. What parent wouldn't fight for their children using any means possible?
There are other criticisms that say people rush to judgment about this case without knowing the whole story. Yes, if you read the 27 page order, there are accusations made about Alaina and about Kane. This is not about adultery accusations - this is about an unemployed woman with breast cancer who is being discriminated against BECAUSE SHE HAS BREAST CANCER.
If Alaina did not have cancer, I would not be writing this blog post. She would be like many other women who go through a divorce/custody case and do not get what they want. This isn't about what Alaina did or did not do. This is about discriminating against a parent who has cancer.
Here is how you can help Alaina Giordano and her children stay together.
Should Alaina win her appeal?
The Battle Continues
Happily I can finally say that Alaina Giordano has a team of attorneys who are filing an appeal on her behalf. This is the next step in overturning the horrendous ruling made against her (and her children) by Judge Nancy Gordon.
Below is a note left on Alaina's support page on Facebook:
To donate to the fund for Alaina's medical and legal expenses, click the link below
To sign the petition to the governor of North Carolina, click the link below
Below is a note left on Alaina's support page on Facebook:
May 24, 2011 -- DURHAM, N.C. -- Attorneys for Alaina Giordano today filed an appeal in the General Court of Justice, District Court Division, Durham County, formally challenging the ruling by Judge Nancy Gordon that awarded custody of her children to their father.
In the order, the judge cited Giordano's illness -- she currently is battling Stage 4 breast cancer, but the condition is stable -- as the primary reason for the custody decision. In the wake of the decision and the public outcry expressed on behalf of Ms. Giordano, a team of attorneys from Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey and Leonard stepped forward to manage her appeal.
"Today, my attorneys have filed an appeal on my behalf and are exhausting every avenue to help me keep my children here at their home in Durham," said Giordano. "It is absolutely outrageous -- and unprecedented -- that a court would cite my illness as the reason to take my children from me, and uproot them from their home. I am confident that we will prevail."
Today's filing is the first step reversing the custody order -- though time is of the essence. In her order, Judge Gordon set a date of June 17 for the children's father, Kane Snyder, to bring them on the 800-mile journey to his home near Chicago, IL.
To sign the petition to the governor of North Carolina, click the link below
To me, this case is not just another ugly divorce and custody battle. When Judge Nancy Gordon used Alaina Giordano's breast cancer diagnosis as a reason to take her children away, it became a totally different kind of case.
It takes two to make or break a marriage. This case and the outrage that ensued once it went public is not about a marriage gone bad; it is about a vindictive man (sorry- that is how I see it) who is not considering what is best for his children (or has any feelings of compassion for the mother of these children) and somehow found a judge who is just as cold-hearted as he is.
Remarkably - this judge is a woman.
I know that with a good legal team I believe that Alaina will get justice for her children. I believe that the right thing will be done. If I was Alaina, I wouldn't waste my time packing her children's bags. I predict that they will be staying in Durham with their mom - where they belong!
Please continue to support Alaina by leaving her messages of hope and faith. All the support is what is helping her to be strong during this battle!
Alaina Giordano on Dr.Drew
Alaina Giordano, the mom with breast cancer who lost custody because of her diagnosis, will be on Dr.Drew tonight (Monday) on HLN (a CNN channel).
If you are a regular follower of this blog then you know Alaina's story. Dr.Drew is just the latest show that Alaina has appeared on. Her first media attention came from a local ABC affiliate in Durham, North Carolina.
From there, the story got national attention and the Facebook page set up by her friend has grown to almost 20,000 supporters.
You do not need to be a woman, a mom or a breast cancer survivor to feel for Alaina. Most people feel that unless a parent is horribly abusive that they should be a part of their children's lives.
This case is getting attention because it is not your typical he said/she said divorce battle. A JUDGE made this case about Alaina's breast cancer. Judge Nancy Gordon ruled that because of this mother's breast cancer diagnosis she wasn't "comfortable" with the children staying with their mother.
So many people have shared their own personal stories of either surviving cancer and parenting their child or being the child of a mother who had breast cancer. No one who lived through it said they wish they had been taken away from their mother or that they wish someone would have taken their children away from them.
Life is not perfect. Cancer doesn't discriminate. Yes, it is sad and emotionally heart-wrenching when someone you love (even your mother or father) has cancer and one day they get sick and die.
No one can predict when you may become unable to care for your kids. No one can predict anything. Alaina has stage 4 cancer that is contained. Cancer is not a daily part of her childrens' lives. Anyone who knows Alaina knows this.
This is a case where a man outlawyered a woman and got lucky enough to have a judge who either wasn't paying attention or is just cold and doesn't care about the best interests of the children.
Alaina's new attorney will be filing an appeal for her and I hope that all the prayers and positive thoughts that are being sent her way will result in this ruling being modified or overturned so that Alaina's children will be able to stay where they want to be- with their mother.
to donate to help with legal/medical costs for alaina click here
If you are a regular follower of this blog then you know Alaina's story. Dr.Drew is just the latest show that Alaina has appeared on. Her first media attention came from a local ABC affiliate in Durham, North Carolina.
From there, the story got national attention and the Facebook page set up by her friend has grown to almost 20,000 supporters.
You do not need to be a woman, a mom or a breast cancer survivor to feel for Alaina. Most people feel that unless a parent is horribly abusive that they should be a part of their children's lives.
This case is getting attention because it is not your typical he said/she said divorce battle. A JUDGE made this case about Alaina's breast cancer. Judge Nancy Gordon ruled that because of this mother's breast cancer diagnosis she wasn't "comfortable" with the children staying with their mother.
So many people have shared their own personal stories of either surviving cancer and parenting their child or being the child of a mother who had breast cancer. No one who lived through it said they wish they had been taken away from their mother or that they wish someone would have taken their children away from them.
Life is not perfect. Cancer doesn't discriminate. Yes, it is sad and emotionally heart-wrenching when someone you love (even your mother or father) has cancer and one day they get sick and die.
No one can predict when you may become unable to care for your kids. No one can predict anything. Alaina has stage 4 cancer that is contained. Cancer is not a daily part of her childrens' lives. Anyone who knows Alaina knows this.
This is a case where a man outlawyered a woman and got lucky enough to have a judge who either wasn't paying attention or is just cold and doesn't care about the best interests of the children.
Alaina's new attorney will be filing an appeal for her and I hope that all the prayers and positive thoughts that are being sent her way will result in this ruling being modified or overturned so that Alaina's children will be able to stay where they want to be- with their mother.
to donate to help with legal/medical costs for alaina click here
The Truth Behind the Alaina Giordano Custody Case
Alaina Giordano should not lose her children because she has breast cancer.
This Facebook page has nearly 20,000 likes. The fund set up by a friend of Alaina's to help with her legal and medical expenses is a little more than halfway to the goal of raising $10,000.
If everyone who "liked" the page sent $1 via Paypal, the fund would be in great shape. For some reason, people are hesitant to part with a few dollars (a few dollars would help) and instead most post how they are "praying" for her.
Recently I responded to a post about offering a link to the judge's 27 page ruling in the case. Anyone who has ever gone through a divorce and custody matter in the courts knows how 27 pages is not a big deal when you are talking about dissolving a marriage and determining custody of minor children.
We all have heard stories about fathers or mothers who were "wronged" by the system. In this case, hearing that a judge would rule that because a mother has breast cancer she cannot have custody of her kids is just so unbelievable. We can believe that a man (or woman) would try to use whatever they can in a divorce/custody battle in order to be vindictive or seek revenge. When a judge sides with someone who obviously has no compassion for the mother/father of their own children it is outrageous.
Why can't people "get it" that sometimes if you cannot afford good legal counsel, you can get screwed in a divorce case? Imagine it. You are sitting in court, thinking that you have a lawyer and he/she will take care of you and do everything legally possible to make sure that your rights are protected. You sit there stunned as your soon-to-be ex makes accusations that your own attorney does not object to. Then when it becomes your side's turn to speak, your lawyer's concerns are not heard by the judge. You have assembled character witnesses and they are not heard by the court. The judge basically hears a biased, one-sided tale and makes her decision based on that.
Not only does she not hear your side out, but then she discriminates against you because of your cancer diagnosis. No one with cancer, even someone on their deathbed, knows when they will die.
Alaina's breast cancer diagnosis is irrelevant. Her cancer is contained. Cancer should not be a factor in whether or not you can parent your children. Yes, the day may come when Alaina gets ill and cannot care for her children. She has a network of good friends and family ready to step in and help her when that time comes. That time is not now. Alaina is a typical mom of a two. She does everything that every other mom does.
No one has an expiration date stamped on the bottom of their foot. How can a judge choose one parent over the other because one has cancer? That is what this judge did. She didn't take into consideration that for this mother to move out of state she would lose her doctors and her support system of friends.
The judge did not ask these children if they even wanted to move away from their school, their friends and the life that they know. The judge didn't even ask them how they felt about being away from their mother.
The judge certainly didn't consider the fact that the father of these children had moved out of state, away from his children and saw them sporadically.
The judge knew that the mother does not have the financial resources to relocate in another state where she knows no one. She didn't care.
The judge was biased about the mother's breast cancer diagnosis. Period.
This Facebook page has nearly 20,000 likes. The fund set up by a friend of Alaina's to help with her legal and medical expenses is a little more than halfway to the goal of raising $10,000.
If everyone who "liked" the page sent $1 via Paypal, the fund would be in great shape. For some reason, people are hesitant to part with a few dollars (a few dollars would help) and instead most post how they are "praying" for her.
Recently I responded to a post about offering a link to the judge's 27 page ruling in the case. Anyone who has ever gone through a divorce and custody matter in the courts knows how 27 pages is not a big deal when you are talking about dissolving a marriage and determining custody of minor children.
We all have heard stories about fathers or mothers who were "wronged" by the system. In this case, hearing that a judge would rule that because a mother has breast cancer she cannot have custody of her kids is just so unbelievable. We can believe that a man (or woman) would try to use whatever they can in a divorce/custody battle in order to be vindictive or seek revenge. When a judge sides with someone who obviously has no compassion for the mother/father of their own children it is outrageous.
Why can't people "get it" that sometimes if you cannot afford good legal counsel, you can get screwed in a divorce case? Imagine it. You are sitting in court, thinking that you have a lawyer and he/she will take care of you and do everything legally possible to make sure that your rights are protected. You sit there stunned as your soon-to-be ex makes accusations that your own attorney does not object to. Then when it becomes your side's turn to speak, your lawyer's concerns are not heard by the judge. You have assembled character witnesses and they are not heard by the court. The judge basically hears a biased, one-sided tale and makes her decision based on that.
Not only does she not hear your side out, but then she discriminates against you because of your cancer diagnosis. No one with cancer, even someone on their deathbed, knows when they will die.
Alaina's breast cancer diagnosis is irrelevant. Her cancer is contained. Cancer should not be a factor in whether or not you can parent your children. Yes, the day may come when Alaina gets ill and cannot care for her children. She has a network of good friends and family ready to step in and help her when that time comes. That time is not now. Alaina is a typical mom of a two. She does everything that every other mom does.
No one has an expiration date stamped on the bottom of their foot. How can a judge choose one parent over the other because one has cancer? That is what this judge did. She didn't take into consideration that for this mother to move out of state she would lose her doctors and her support system of friends.
The judge did not ask these children if they even wanted to move away from their school, their friends and the life that they know. The judge didn't even ask them how they felt about being away from their mother.
The judge certainly didn't consider the fact that the father of these children had moved out of state, away from his children and saw them sporadically.
The judge knew that the mother does not have the financial resources to relocate in another state where she knows no one. She didn't care.
The judge was biased about the mother's breast cancer diagnosis. Period.
Do the Right Thing
Alaina Giordano is fighting back against a judge who ruled that because she has breast cancer she is going to have to send her children away from their home in Durham, North Carolina to live with their father in Chicago, Illinois.
The circumstances in this case reach beyond your typical divorce/custody battle. Because Alaina has breast cancer, where she lives is of upmost importance to the quality of her health. Right now, she is receiving treatment at the Duke Cancer Institute in Durham where she and the children live.
It is unreasonable for her to have to relocate for many reasons. She has support of friends in Durham which every cancer patient knows is essential for their wellness. She has her children which motivates her to fight this battle with cancer.
It was cruel of the judge to assume that it would be easy for Alaina to relocate to a state where she has no family, friends or a network of trusted medical professionals that have kept her doing so well.
It was her husband who chose to abandon his family in order to try out a job in a different state; not once but twice in the last few years. Knowing his wife, the mother of his two children, was in the battle of her life he disregarded her health and the best interests of his children when he filed for divorce and custody of the children.
In order for Alaina to appeal this judge's decision, she needs funds to pay for an attorney. As I stated in a recent article How You Can Help Alaina Giordano Keep Her Kids , this case will set a precedent for future custody cases throughout the country.
Last month, Judge Nancy Gordon used Alaina Giordano's breast cancer as a reason for her to lose custody of her kids. Not getting this ruling overturned will allow future judges and vindictive spouses to use any illness or possibility of illness as a weapon to take children from their home.
This is why you should care and this is why you should help Alaina Giordano keep her children. It is the right thing to do.
The circumstances in this case reach beyond your typical divorce/custody battle. Because Alaina has breast cancer, where she lives is of upmost importance to the quality of her health. Right now, she is receiving treatment at the Duke Cancer Institute in Durham where she and the children live.
It is unreasonable for her to have to relocate for many reasons. She has support of friends in Durham which every cancer patient knows is essential for their wellness. She has her children which motivates her to fight this battle with cancer.
It was cruel of the judge to assume that it would be easy for Alaina to relocate to a state where she has no family, friends or a network of trusted medical professionals that have kept her doing so well.
It was her husband who chose to abandon his family in order to try out a job in a different state; not once but twice in the last few years. Knowing his wife, the mother of his two children, was in the battle of her life he disregarded her health and the best interests of his children when he filed for divorce and custody of the children.
In order for Alaina to appeal this judge's decision, she needs funds to pay for an attorney. As I stated in a recent article How You Can Help Alaina Giordano Keep Her Kids , this case will set a precedent for future custody cases throughout the country.
Last month, Judge Nancy Gordon used Alaina Giordano's breast cancer as a reason for her to lose custody of her kids. Not getting this ruling overturned will allow future judges and vindictive spouses to use any illness or possibility of illness as a weapon to take children from their home.
This is why you should care and this is why you should help Alaina Giordano keep her children. It is the right thing to do.
Today Show Interviews Alaina Giordano
Alaina Giordano appeared on the Today Show this morning, and just as I had told her last week, people are outraged over judge Nancy Gordon's decision to give custody of her children to her husband. This outrageous ruling demanded national attention because it is so wrong and can affect the future of child custody cases all across this country. I knew people would be outraged- who wouldn't be? click to see interview
I am so proud of Alaina who really presented herself as the strong woman that I knew she was. We are talking about a woman who has been fighting stage 4 breast cancer and although that is enough for one woman to bear, she also has to fight for her children.
What the average person is NOT thinking about is that if Alaina Giordano does not get this ruling overturned it will affect future child custody cases. You may think that you will never be in Alaina Giordano's shoes but she never saw this in her future either.
Alaina's case will be used against other people who have cancer and are going through a custody dispute. Many more parents could suffer from this judges' ignorant ruling. You may not care about this because you think it will never affect you but no one knows for sure. What if Alaina were your sister, mother, friend or co-worker? When it hits home and affects you personally, then you will want someone to help you.
It isn't too late to help Alaina Giordano get this ruling overturned. Please get involved and sign the petition.
Alaina Giordano should not lose custody of her kids because she has breast cancer
Click on the above link, go to the info page for a link to the petition to the governor of North Carolina. Leave a message of support for Alaina and know that you did something to help Alaina's children. If you can do more, such as offer her legal representation, Alaina can use help! It is not too late!
I am so proud of Alaina who really presented herself as the strong woman that I knew she was. We are talking about a woman who has been fighting stage 4 breast cancer and although that is enough for one woman to bear, she also has to fight for her children.
What the average person is NOT thinking about is that if Alaina Giordano does not get this ruling overturned it will affect future child custody cases. You may think that you will never be in Alaina Giordano's shoes but she never saw this in her future either.
Alaina's case will be used against other people who have cancer and are going through a custody dispute. Many more parents could suffer from this judges' ignorant ruling. You may not care about this because you think it will never affect you but no one knows for sure. What if Alaina were your sister, mother, friend or co-worker? When it hits home and affects you personally, then you will want someone to help you.
It isn't too late to help Alaina Giordano get this ruling overturned. Please get involved and sign the petition.
Alaina Giordano should not lose custody of her kids because she has breast cancer
Click on the above link, go to the info page for a link to the petition to the governor of North Carolina. Leave a message of support for Alaina and know that you did something to help Alaina's children. If you can do more, such as offer her legal representation, Alaina can use help! It is not too late!
Inside Edition Covers Alaina Giordano Custody Story
Alaina Giordano shouldn't lose custody of her kids because she has breast cancer and now she is getting national media attention. Inside Edition aired an interview with Alaina today.
The family court papers spell out the shocking decision: "Children who have a parent with cancer need more contact with the non-ill parent," therefore, "the children's primary residence shall be with their father."
The biggest problem with this decision is that Alaina is receiving treatment for breast cancer at the Duke Cancer Institute and cannot possibly be a part of her children's lives if they are to move to Illinois to live with their father. Duke Cancer Institute is located in Durham, North Carolina where the family has been residing. The father moved to the Chicago, Illinois area in August of 2010 and has made sporadic visits to the children since that time.
A Facebook page has attracted attention from people all over the world. At latest count, over 4,500 people were in support of Alaina's fight to keep her children in spite of her cancer diagnosis.
Getting national media attention for this case is great. People should be outraged that a court would use a mother's cancer diagnosis as a factor in determining custody. I personally know several women who fought breast cancer and mothered their children. I believe that taking children away from their mother is hurtful and to a mother who is battling breast cancer, it can be a reason to give up the fight to win the battle against cancer.
Alaina has plenty of support if she should need it to care for her children should her health deteriorate. As of today, although her cancer is stage 4, it is contained. Her health is good. The fact that a judge is looking at a parent's health to determine custody is absurd.
If no cancer exists in either parent, will parents have to undergo blood tests to see if one is at a higher risk of heart disease because their cholesterol is too high? Maybe judges will start targeting obese parents because certainly they are at a higher risk of either becoming ill or dying prematurely from being obese? Yes, this all sounds ridiculous but so is a judge taking custody away from a mother who has breast cancer.
Alaina Giordano is battling breast cancer which is horrible enough. She should not have to be fighting to keep her children because she has breast cancer.
If this story outrages you, please take the time to sign the petition to help overturn this ridiculous ruling.
sign petition here
The family court papers spell out the shocking decision: "Children who have a parent with cancer need more contact with the non-ill parent," therefore, "the children's primary residence shall be with their father."
The biggest problem with this decision is that Alaina is receiving treatment for breast cancer at the Duke Cancer Institute and cannot possibly be a part of her children's lives if they are to move to Illinois to live with their father. Duke Cancer Institute is located in Durham, North Carolina where the family has been residing. The father moved to the Chicago, Illinois area in August of 2010 and has made sporadic visits to the children since that time.
A Facebook page has attracted attention from people all over the world. At latest count, over 4,500 people were in support of Alaina's fight to keep her children in spite of her cancer diagnosis.
Getting national media attention for this case is great. People should be outraged that a court would use a mother's cancer diagnosis as a factor in determining custody. I personally know several women who fought breast cancer and mothered their children. I believe that taking children away from their mother is hurtful and to a mother who is battling breast cancer, it can be a reason to give up the fight to win the battle against cancer.
Alaina has plenty of support if she should need it to care for her children should her health deteriorate. As of today, although her cancer is stage 4, it is contained. Her health is good. The fact that a judge is looking at a parent's health to determine custody is absurd.
If no cancer exists in either parent, will parents have to undergo blood tests to see if one is at a higher risk of heart disease because their cholesterol is too high? Maybe judges will start targeting obese parents because certainly they are at a higher risk of either becoming ill or dying prematurely from being obese? Yes, this all sounds ridiculous but so is a judge taking custody away from a mother who has breast cancer.
Alaina Giordano is battling breast cancer which is horrible enough. She should not have to be fighting to keep her children because she has breast cancer.
If this story outrages you, please take the time to sign the petition to help overturn this ridiculous ruling.
sign petition here
Alaina Giordano - Who is Really Going to Suffer?
Well it seems that Alaina Giordano's story is picking up speed. A web news page in the UK has picked up on it and the story click here does not hold back. I have chosen my words carefully when speaking about this case and avoided naming names and certainly would not show pictures. This family (the children especially) is going through enough.
In case you are not familiar with Alaina Giordano's story, after a 4 day divorce trial, a female judge ruled that Alaina's husband should have full custody of their two children, ages 5 and 11. He had left the family in Durham, North Carolina in August of 2010 and moved to Chicago, Illinois where he has been living and working
As this story spreads across the web, many people are mixed about the court's decision. Some assume that Alaina must have done something horrible and cannot believe that a judge based her decision upon Alaina's stage 4 breast cancer. Others see her husband as a cold and uncaring man. The fact is that some divorces get ugly. Parents often use their children as pawns and in this case, there are many factors involved.
People who have lived through cancer say that having their family to support them is what helped to get them through. Others ignore that Alaina's cancer is contained and feel that putting her children through watching her slowly die is too painful and the children should be spared this.
Alaina's husband did not need to take a job out of state. How could you even think about disrupting your wife's cancer treatments and uprooting your children when their mother is fighting for her life?
No one knows what went on in the home of this family but no matter what, it would be in this man's best interests to work out something for the sake of his relationship with his children. Does he really think that down the road they are going to thank him for taking them away from their mother while she was living out the last years of her life?
There is no one who can say how long Alaina will be able to live the way she is now. She is functioning well and is caring for the children on her own. Yes it is totally possible that the cancer (which is in her bones) can make her condition worsen although as of now it is contained.
I remember when it was announced that Elizabeth Edwards cancer had moved to her bones. She continued to live a full and rich life, with her children, and according to media reports, managed to stay well for quite some time. No one can predict what will happen when you have breast cancer. People beat the odds every day and some don't.
Most people would agree that John Edwards treated his wife horribly by cheating on her and fathering a child but he didn't try to take their children away from her just because she had terminal cancer. Alaina Giordano's husband makes John Edwards look like a nice guy.
I don't know Alaina's husband and maybe people would say that I shouldn't be criticizing his choices. I am sorry but these are your children and it is tough enough for them to be going through your divorce. Why not make it easier on them? Find a compromise to this situation.
Children should never be used as pawns in a divorce. These children are also dealing with two battles. They will most likely be losing their mother to breast cancer. This will be devastating enough. Now because of divorce they will lose their mother due to a judge's ruling.
Joint custody is a much healthier option for children of divorce. I hope that a resolution can be found that will make life a little easier on these children. It is sad when divorce gets ugly and breast cancer is a cruel disease that affects too many.
There are many things in this life that we cannot control but we can make choices that make what happens in life less painful. Here's to hoping that someone decides to re-think choices that have been made and do right by these children.
In case you are not familiar with Alaina Giordano's story, after a 4 day divorce trial, a female judge ruled that Alaina's husband should have full custody of their two children, ages 5 and 11. He had left the family in Durham, North Carolina in August of 2010 and moved to Chicago, Illinois where he has been living and working
As this story spreads across the web, many people are mixed about the court's decision. Some assume that Alaina must have done something horrible and cannot believe that a judge based her decision upon Alaina's stage 4 breast cancer. Others see her husband as a cold and uncaring man. The fact is that some divorces get ugly. Parents often use their children as pawns and in this case, there are many factors involved.
People who have lived through cancer say that having their family to support them is what helped to get them through. Others ignore that Alaina's cancer is contained and feel that putting her children through watching her slowly die is too painful and the children should be spared this.
Alaina's husband did not need to take a job out of state. How could you even think about disrupting your wife's cancer treatments and uprooting your children when their mother is fighting for her life?
No one knows what went on in the home of this family but no matter what, it would be in this man's best interests to work out something for the sake of his relationship with his children. Does he really think that down the road they are going to thank him for taking them away from their mother while she was living out the last years of her life?
There is no one who can say how long Alaina will be able to live the way she is now. She is functioning well and is caring for the children on her own. Yes it is totally possible that the cancer (which is in her bones) can make her condition worsen although as of now it is contained.
I remember when it was announced that Elizabeth Edwards cancer had moved to her bones. She continued to live a full and rich life, with her children, and according to media reports, managed to stay well for quite some time. No one can predict what will happen when you have breast cancer. People beat the odds every day and some don't.
Most people would agree that John Edwards treated his wife horribly by cheating on her and fathering a child but he didn't try to take their children away from her just because she had terminal cancer. Alaina Giordano's husband makes John Edwards look like a nice guy.
I don't know Alaina's husband and maybe people would say that I shouldn't be criticizing his choices. I am sorry but these are your children and it is tough enough for them to be going through your divorce. Why not make it easier on them? Find a compromise to this situation.
Children should never be used as pawns in a divorce. These children are also dealing with two battles. They will most likely be losing their mother to breast cancer. This will be devastating enough. Now because of divorce they will lose their mother due to a judge's ruling.
Joint custody is a much healthier option for children of divorce. I hope that a resolution can be found that will make life a little easier on these children. It is sad when divorce gets ugly and breast cancer is a cruel disease that affects too many.
There are many things in this life that we cannot control but we can make choices that make what happens in life less painful. Here's to hoping that someone decides to re-think choices that have been made and do right by these children.
Unjust Justice
The plight of Alaina Giordano became known to me thanks to a post on Facebook. Read more here in Alaina's own words.
Basically, the story is that Alaina's ex-husband was somehow able to get permission from the courts to relocate their two children to a new life in a new state due to the fact that Alaina has breast cancer.
Yup, that is right. Alaina has been successfully battling breast cancer and her ex took her to court and got a judge to grant him the right to relocate their children from North Carolina to Illinois all so he can start a new job. (personally, I sense some vindictiveness on the part of the "father")
The judge used Alaina's breast cancer diagnosis as a reason why her ex should get custody. Since the judge is not clear about how long Alaina has to live, she gave custody to the ex. Huh?
This is ridiculous. No one has an expiration date stamped on the bottom of our feet and even with a cancer diagnosis, no one knows how much time we actually have.
These children need to be with their mother where they feel secure. She needs to be with her children, whom I am sure are her reason for fighting the cancer that threatens her life.
Her ex could relocate these children, die suddenly and unexpectedly and then what? The children are living where they have no friends or family. How traumatic would that be?
The point is that no one knows their life expectancy. To use cancer against someone is wrong. Where do we find these family court judges?
I am all too aware from personal experience how fathers are often not treated fairly in the family court system. Yes, it is true that men abuse the system also but isn't that why we should have judges who listen and do what is right by the children?
If this angers you also, please visit the Facebook page set up for supporters of Alaina's fight. I will be writing more about this. I have set up an interview with Alaina to do my part in helping her fight this ridiculous ruling.
Check out the Facebook page here
Basically, the story is that Alaina's ex-husband was somehow able to get permission from the courts to relocate their two children to a new life in a new state due to the fact that Alaina has breast cancer.
Yup, that is right. Alaina has been successfully battling breast cancer and her ex took her to court and got a judge to grant him the right to relocate their children from North Carolina to Illinois all so he can start a new job. (personally, I sense some vindictiveness on the part of the "father")
The judge used Alaina's breast cancer diagnosis as a reason why her ex should get custody. Since the judge is not clear about how long Alaina has to live, she gave custody to the ex. Huh?
This is ridiculous. No one has an expiration date stamped on the bottom of our feet and even with a cancer diagnosis, no one knows how much time we actually have.
These children need to be with their mother where they feel secure. She needs to be with her children, whom I am sure are her reason for fighting the cancer that threatens her life.
Her ex could relocate these children, die suddenly and unexpectedly and then what? The children are living where they have no friends or family. How traumatic would that be?
The point is that no one knows their life expectancy. To use cancer against someone is wrong. Where do we find these family court judges?
I am all too aware from personal experience how fathers are often not treated fairly in the family court system. Yes, it is true that men abuse the system also but isn't that why we should have judges who listen and do what is right by the children?
If this angers you also, please visit the Facebook page set up for supporters of Alaina's fight. I will be writing more about this. I have set up an interview with Alaina to do my part in helping her fight this ridiculous ruling.
Check out the Facebook page here
I'm Back!
Well after too long of an absence, here I am. I have been sidelined the past month by doctor visits, tests, emergency rooms visits, surgeries and recovery time. In the haze of it all, I wrote a few articles here and there but have ignored my daily bitch.
This post today is about gallbladder disease. Unbeknownst to me, until I found out that I had a problem, gallbladder disease runs in my family. My aunt, female cousins and grandmother all have had their problems with gallbladder disease.
After going through treatment for a breast cyst, the last thing I wanted to deal with was going to the doctor. I starting treating myself (bad idea) for acid reflux after suffering at first from heartburn that would keep me from being able to sleep and then it progressed into marathon vomiting sessions that would occur every 3 to 4 nights. I tried changing my diet, taking prevacid for 2 weeks and finally, nothing worked. I got tired of being dehydrated and exhausted and in pain. I went to see my doctor who first suggested the idea that it was my gallbladder. (a smart online writing friend had told me the same thing- thanks miri) She gave me a sample of something to try and after the pain increased I finally said "enough" and went to my favorite er.
More tests and a night in the hospital and I was told that my gallbladder probably had to come out. So- long story short, I saw my favorite surgeon and he scheduled me to have the deed done.
So, my message for all you ladies who self-diagnose is DON'T! Even if you are a doctor, you shouldn't be treating yourself. If you have a pain that won't go away or other symptoms that are just not right, listen to your body- it is sending signals and what you need to do is to go see a pro! yes, the doctor.
What I didn't know until after my surgery is that your gallbladder can burst! This can be fatal. Had I ignored my symptoms(which were only getting worse) who knows what could have happened.
Okay, I learned my lesson. I promise to pay attention to my body's signals and to start taking care of myself.
Please friends, do the same!
This post today is about gallbladder disease. Unbeknownst to me, until I found out that I had a problem, gallbladder disease runs in my family. My aunt, female cousins and grandmother all have had their problems with gallbladder disease.
After going through treatment for a breast cyst, the last thing I wanted to deal with was going to the doctor. I starting treating myself (bad idea) for acid reflux after suffering at first from heartburn that would keep me from being able to sleep and then it progressed into marathon vomiting sessions that would occur every 3 to 4 nights. I tried changing my diet, taking prevacid for 2 weeks and finally, nothing worked. I got tired of being dehydrated and exhausted and in pain. I went to see my doctor who first suggested the idea that it was my gallbladder. (a smart online writing friend had told me the same thing- thanks miri) She gave me a sample of something to try and after the pain increased I finally said "enough" and went to my favorite er.
More tests and a night in the hospital and I was told that my gallbladder probably had to come out. So- long story short, I saw my favorite surgeon and he scheduled me to have the deed done.
So, my message for all you ladies who self-diagnose is DON'T! Even if you are a doctor, you shouldn't be treating yourself. If you have a pain that won't go away or other symptoms that are just not right, listen to your body- it is sending signals and what you need to do is to go see a pro! yes, the doctor.
What I didn't know until after my surgery is that your gallbladder can burst! This can be fatal. Had I ignored my symptoms(which were only getting worse) who knows what could have happened.
Okay, I learned my lesson. I promise to pay attention to my body's signals and to start taking care of myself.
Please friends, do the same!
cancer scare!
I have been busy lately...I haven't posted because I had to have a lumpectomy. I feel fine, a little swollen but okay.
The results of the pathology report will take a few days but in the meantime I am on a mission!
Women,whether they are busy moms,grandmoms or just women, get so wrapped up in their lives that they neglect themselves. We all know this is true. The message I need to get across to you all is STOP! If something tragic was to happen, everyone you do for is going to somehow fend for themselves because they will have to.
Take care of yourself and get your yearly mammogram. Risk factors only mean that you are more likely to contract breast cancer. Personally, I have zero risk factors. Breast cancer is not going to wait for you to get your mammogram, it can be there without you knowing. Not that every lump is cancerous, it's not.
In my case, it was about 2 1/2 years since I had a mammogram. Now, I can make all the excuses I want, but the bottom line is I didn't care enough about myself to find a way to get it done.
Without health insurance, I have had to pay out of pocket for my treatment, which has included ultrasounds, mammogram, biopsies and most recently, a lumpectomy. I have been so busy between doctors appointments and appointments to apply for charity care at the hospital. You would assume being that I am unemployed without health insurance that charity care would be easy. NOPE!!! It is called being not quite middle class and not quite lower income. Money aside, emotional stress is something I could use less of in my life. I have felt pretty much at peace with all that has been going on. I cannot change it, just deal with it.I have had my moments of "freaking" out- No one is perfect.
I have faith that I will be fine. I just want to get the message out that we need to be mindful of calling and making those annoying appointments for tests, checkups and whatever. Life is short but why take chances with your health when you can prevent things from being worse?
So ladies, if you are overdue for your mammogram, get on the phone and make an appointment!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The results of the pathology report will take a few days but in the meantime I am on a mission!
Women,whether they are busy moms,grandmoms or just women, get so wrapped up in their lives that they neglect themselves. We all know this is true. The message I need to get across to you all is STOP! If something tragic was to happen, everyone you do for is going to somehow fend for themselves because they will have to.
Take care of yourself and get your yearly mammogram. Risk factors only mean that you are more likely to contract breast cancer. Personally, I have zero risk factors. Breast cancer is not going to wait for you to get your mammogram, it can be there without you knowing. Not that every lump is cancerous, it's not.
In my case, it was about 2 1/2 years since I had a mammogram. Now, I can make all the excuses I want, but the bottom line is I didn't care enough about myself to find a way to get it done.
Without health insurance, I have had to pay out of pocket for my treatment, which has included ultrasounds, mammogram, biopsies and most recently, a lumpectomy. I have been so busy between doctors appointments and appointments to apply for charity care at the hospital. You would assume being that I am unemployed without health insurance that charity care would be easy. NOPE!!! It is called being not quite middle class and not quite lower income. Money aside, emotional stress is something I could use less of in my life. I have felt pretty much at peace with all that has been going on. I cannot change it, just deal with it.I have had my moments of "freaking" out- No one is perfect.
I have faith that I will be fine. I just want to get the message out that we need to be mindful of calling and making those annoying appointments for tests, checkups and whatever. Life is short but why take chances with your health when you can prevent things from being worse?
So ladies, if you are overdue for your mammogram, get on the phone and make an appointment!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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